Neil J. RubenkingNorton 360 version 2.0As a <i>PC Magazine</i> reader you probably prefer a hands-on security suite, but when you want quality system protection without much of a fuss, Norton 360 2.0 is a better choice. It does its work effectively and quietly, without causing confusion. With this suite you get top notch security without getting your hands dirty.

Powerful, silent firewall and anti-malware. Fully automated background scanning. Backup to online or local destinations. New Registry cleanup. Built-in access to help, including live chat. Protection for passwords and personal info.

Cons

Antispam accuracy still low. Parental control is improved but still rudimentary. Slightly less effective than NIS 2008 against malware. Remote-monitoring feature lacks detail and ability to fix remote problems.

Bottom Line

As a PC Magazine reader you probably prefer a hands-on security suite, but when you want quality system protection without much of a fuss, Norton 360 2.0 is a better choice. It does its work effectively and quietly, without causing confusion. With this suite you get top notch security without getting your hands dirty.

For most PC Magazine readers, a hands-on security suite like Norton Internet Security 2008 is the best fit. But when you go to set up Granny's computer, choose Norton 360 version 2.0 instead. It protects a computer just as NIS 2008 does, and it includes bonus features like a backup facility and a PC tune-up feature. And because it does its work in the background, Granny won't get confused.

Similar Products

The product's main window displays four big panels reflecting the status of the four major protection areas: PC Security, Identity Protection, Backup, and PC Tuneup. In this version, hovering the mouse over a panel brings up a Quick Tasks menu with an option to view detailed status as well as other tasks appropriate to the area. If anything needs attention, you just press the big Fix button.

In operation, N360 is almost completely automatic. Once it's installed, the only task you really have to attend to is configuring backup options. The utility runs all scans and protective tasks during the computer's idle time, halting when you start using the computer again and picking up later where it left off.
And it's smart enough to put its work on hold when the system is running on batteries. Conversely, if you'd prefer just to get the job done, you can have the software perform all pending tasks and optionally shut down the computer when finished. That's a nice touch.Next: Separation of Powers

Norton 360 version 2.0

excellent

Bottom Line: As a <i>PC Magazine</i> reader you probably prefer a hands-on security suite, but when you want quality system protection without much of a fuss, Norton 360 2.0 is a better choice. It does its work effectively and quietly, without causing confusion. With this suite you get top notch security without getting your hands dirty.

Neil Rubenking served as vice president and president of the San Francisco PC User Group for three years when the IBM PC was brand new. He was present at the formation of the Association of Shareware Professionals, and served on its board of directors. In 1986, PC Magazine brought Neil on board to handle the torrent of Turbo Pascal tips submitted by readers. By 1990, he had become PC Magazine's technical editor, and a coast-to-coast telecommuter. His "User to User" column supplied readers with tips...
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